3 playoff predictions for the St. Louis Cardinals

Jul 3, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (37) against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 3, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals manager Oliver Marmol (37) against the Philadelphia Phillies at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 11, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols (5) circles the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The home run is the 697th home run of Pujols’ career giving him sole possession of fourth place all time on the MLB career home run list. The Cardinals won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; St. Louis Cardinals first baseman Albert Pujols (5) circles the bases after hitting a two-run home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the ninth inning at PNC Park. The home run is the 697th home run of Pujols’ career giving him sole possession of fourth place all time on the MLB career home run list. The Cardinals won 4-3. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

Albert Pujols will be an everyday fixture

Since all eyes are on Albert Pujols as the season winds down to see if he can reach the hallowed mark of 700 home runs, it obviously behooves the Cardinals to put him in the lineup every day. But regardless of whether Pujols is able to reach 700 by season’s end, Marmol should consider keeping him in the lineup for the postseason.

Right now, Pujols is under immense pressure to reach 700. With the pressure off after the season, no matter if he reaches the mark, he should be able to relax and play his game instead of swinging for the fences in every at-bat. Secondly, the Cardinals probably don’t have a better option. Corey Dickerson has cooled off after his ridiculous stretch where he went 10 for 10, and Dylan Carlson will be difficult to trust upon his return. Even though Pujols has just been adequate against right-handers, he is the best choice for the playoffs as the designated hitter.